The Importance of Small Groups
If the depths of relationships and our commitment to one another are so important to God, then small groups must also be important as it is only in small groups that close relationships can develop. During the first two centuries of the Christian era church buildings did not exist, so it was necessary that people met in their homes. Small groups, where all the members participate as directly as possible, are more effective for changing attitudes and behaviour than is the lecture method. One lady told how she took her granddaughter to church for the first time. As they knelt in the tall-sided pew, the little girl whispered, "Who are we hiding from?" It is harder to hide from ourselves or from one another in the smaller group, than in the crowd. John Stott wrote in his book One People: Clergy and Laity in God's Church:
I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that small groups, Christian family or fellowship groups, are indispensable for our growth into spiritual maturity.
The basic building block of the church is the small group in which members are committed to one another as to Christ. We tend to think of the small group as only being a part of the church. The New Testament does not make this distinction. It is the church.
"For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." Matt 18:20
After all, the original small group was Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
See the videos below for further explanation of small groups and their significance to our spiritual lives.
Video below is not associated with Friends Through Christ or Anastasia Baptist Church, but posted here as an example of the power of Small Groups. |
The video below is a REAL small group (not associated with Friends Through Christ, but posted here as an example of the power of Life Groups) that was started outside the church and not started by a church. It was just a few guys that wanted to get more from life and understood that REAL relationships was the answer. This short video will give the small group concept from an un-taught perspective. |